Barcelona loanee Diego Kochen keeps dream of Camp Nou return alive

Diego Kochen says returning to Barcelona remains one of his biggest ambitions, despite the “almost impossible” challenge of earning a place in the Catalan club’s first-team squad.

The 20-year-old goalkeeper is spending the season on loan at Danish club Lyngby, where he has established himself as the regular starter. Kochen has played 810 minutes in the Danish Superliga, beginning all nine of Lyngby’s matches so far.

Lyngby are currently 10th in the table with seven points, but the team’s position has not prevented Kochen from gaining valuable experience and recognition. Securing regular first-team football was one of the main reasons for his loan move, and he is achieving that objective.

The American goalkeeper joined Barcelona in 2019 and progressed through the club’s academy at La Masia before reaching the first-team environment. Although he has not made an official appearance for Barcelona, he has trained alongside some of the club’s leading players, including Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Pedri and Robert Lewandowski.

“It is great to be surrounded by players of that level,” Kochen said.

His time at Barcelona also left him with lasting memories away from the training ground. He recalled witnessing the celebrations in the streets of the city after the club won La Liga.

“It was amazing to see the whole city celebrating that occasion,” he added.

Despite his current focus on Lyngby, Kochen has not abandoned the possibility of returning to Barcelona.

“I am currently on loan at Lyngby and I want to compete at the highest level and give my best for this club,” he said. “But I belong to Barcelona, so returning there is every child’s dream.”

Kochen has also made progress at international level after representing the United States, continuing to build his profile with the national team.

He said his age would not be an obstacle as he adapts to senior football and seeks to maintain his place in the side.

“When you step on to the pitch, age disappears,” Kochen said.

His immediate priority is to sustain his performances for Lyngby, continue receiving regular playing time and develop further during his loan spell.

A return to Barcelona remains an option he would welcome, although the club already has several highly regarded goalkeepers, making the route to a first-team opportunity a difficult one.